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Supporting Struggling Readers

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Introduction

Science content often presents struggling readers with extra obstacles, as they need to know vocabulary as well as be able to comprehend and apply their understanding to complex questions. If used consistently, Penda Science can help students break down content and fully engage with the material at the level they will be assessed on. In order to do this, Penda has integrated an inclusive accessibility feature on all of their activities and assessments, known as the immersive reader and language translator tool, in order to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn and love science and master each standard. Struggling readers have an opportunity to access standards-aligned science content on a digital game-based learning platform that will not only allow them to master each standard but increase their reading fluency. Research has shown that "...children that received the GL (digital game-based learning) intervention developed significantly faster in word reading... and reading development" (Ronimus et al., 2019).

Classroom/Instructional Practice

Teachers that utilize Penda to support their struggling readers (including ESE, ELL, and low lexile level students) will be able to minimize their time adapting or making instructional materials that meet the needs of their diverse group of students. This practice can also aid teachers in their classroom management, by limiting individual student distractions and classroom disruptions. The immersive reader tool can support level 1 and 2 readers as well as provide consistent ESE accommodations, giving the opportunity to master science content by meeting individualized student needs. By allowing all students to access high-quality science content to every standard in over sixty languages, the academic playing field for ELL students is leveled. 

Impact on Student Learning 

All students should have the opportunity to access and master high-quality academic content with standards-based instruction. However, oftentimes struggling readers are not given the same chance due to a lack of inclusive instructional materials that allow them to access the content at varying levels. ELL, ESE, and students with low lexiles can feel empowered in taking ownership of their learning by using Penda's immersive reader and language translator tools. These tools allow them to not only engage in academic content but also increase their reading fluency and comprehension. As shown by Microsoft Learning Tools Research, students have shown upwards of 10% improvement in reading comprehension after using the immersive reader tool. 

Give It A Try - Here's How:

1. Either in interactive notebooks or through a worksheet, instruct struggling readers to complete one reading strategy tool while completing Penda activities (see below for example).
2. Demonstrate for students how to access and use the immersive reader and/or language translator tool. These tools can also be used at home, and to support distance learning.
3. As students progress in understanding/comprehension (as demonstrated on mastery of assessments), allow them to change the type of reading aid they use to break down content.

Artifact/Example:

Magnet Summary + Penda Science